Welcome to "Live" @ Ben's Next Door, the D.C. home of local and national independant artists. At Next Door, we provide the venue and the audience for artists to showcase themselves, their music and their talents to a new audience...you. And what do you get out of the deal? You get to hear an amazing playlist of music while you chill and dine daily and nightly, get to meet great independant artists, get to purchase signed copies of their CD's, and get free, soulful and spirited live musical performances. Our MISSION at Ben's Next Door is to re-connect the Artist to the People. Continuing a tradition of over 50 years of Creation and Innovation in the Culinary and Performing Arts while introducing the community to NEW FLAVOR PROFILES for their belly and ears. There is NEVER A COVER CHARGE for the performances at Ben's Next Door. Thank you for your contribution to the NEXT Chapter In Washington DC's True U St. Experience and Tradition. And now...calling great DJ's! If you are a great DJ who knows the flow of Next Door and wants to add to it while showcasing yourself Wednesdays are your nights. To our wonderful patrons, check the list below to see our new guest DJ line up. Once again it's who's Next? @ Next Door! If you are an artist or DJ and wish to be showcased at Next Door please email play@bensnextdoor.com |
| UPCOMING PERFORMANCES! | Thursday, January 14th - Alison Carney
Sunday, January 17th - Artist Jay Luke Tuesday, January 19th - Fatso
Tuesday, January 26th - Midian
Tuesday, February 2nd - Mr. Higgs
Tuesday, February 16th - V. Rich Monday, February 15th - Nina Storey
Tuesday, February 23rd - Tamara Wellons Monday, March 1st - Kenny Wesley
Tuesday, March 2nd - Jade Tuesday, March 9th - Carter Anderson Wednesday, March 10th - DJ Silver Tuesday, March 16th - Ihsan Bilal Wednesday, March 17th - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, March 23rd - Kev O. Wednesday, March 24th - DJ Conscience Tuesday, March 30th - Mycah Chevalier Tuesday, April 6th - Desiree Jordan Tuesday, April 13th - Green Tea Tuesday, April 20th - Afi Soul Tuesday, April 27th - Tamika "Love" Jones
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 | V. Rich
Masterful and vibrantly fluid on keys, his voice blends unique textures and a stratum of harmonic ability into contemporary R&B. V. Rich is an artist of innate musicality equipped with an arsenal of skills as a singer/songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. With sultriness reminiscent of Maxwell and musicianship influenced by the likes of Prince and Stevie, his solo EP project, “V.Rich - Songs from the album ‘Addicted’” meshes Neo-soul, R& B, and hip-hop energy with panache so irresistible, so catchy, it's hard to know exactly what rhythm grabs your attention first. Born Vincent Richardson in a small Michigan town, V. Rich spent his childhood in New Haven, Connecticut where he learned the power of music and its ability to connect to the hearts and minds of its listeners. Growing up the son of a preacher, in a family of singers, musicians, and music lovers, the young V. Rich was exposed to a vast array of musical genres and quickly became fascinated by the greats: Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye and Oscar Peterson and the classical giants: Chopin, Debussy and Beethoven. The culmination of this diverse andeclectic musical journey is highlighted in his first self-containedsolo project, "V.Rich - Songs from the album ‘Addicted’". On the edge of freshly defined tracks with the lyrical swagger of a virtuoso, this tune smith and accomplished producer bares his seasoned soul. The beauty is not only in each chordand its progression but also in V.Rich’s ability to write, produce,arrange, record, and mix most of this EP at his own studio, VibratoStudios.
| | His energy and silvery polished quality demands attention insongs like, "Lovely" and "Spontaneous". “Addicted” bleeds prowess and vulnerability; a euphonious blend of his rich and soulful artistry layered over infectious tones. His first single, “Bachelor” demands attention from radio. And “C.R.A.Z.Y Girl” Is sure to make some noiseas he describes a possessive girl who through it all, still loves! Whether through live acoustic sets,or with his five-piece band V. Rich clearly is poised to make his markas more than just the ordinary performer. Falsetto or richly in perfectkey, his innate ability to perform is manifested through his showmanship, and charisma, and forges him out of the shadows."Addicted" is aptly named, the kind of album you play from beginning toend, dynamic in range and listenability. It will leave you hooked, wanting to hear it again and again. V.Rich has shared the staged with artists including: Bilal, Chrisette, Michele, Amel Larrieux, Will Downing, Anthony David, Howard Hewitt,Goapele, Res, Martin Luther, and Chuck Brown to name a few. |
 | Jade
We are happy to welcome our very own JADE to the Next Door Stage. I call her our own because she works at The Chili Bowl! Yep thats right! Here's some more info about Jade. A rare and unique talent, Jade, most would consider to be the prototype for Generation Y. Her soulful voice speaks of love, pain, and the hunger to love again while taking you on loves rollercoaster. Like the Jade Stone, Jade is too a blessing from heaven, giving all thanks to the creator for allowing her to touch people deep in there souls with her rhythmic melodies and tales of Love. Her focus and creativity come from past and future experiences alike, inspiring many to believe that music is love and that heartache can only teach us how to love stronger and deeper when given the opportunity. Jade was born May 26 1986 in Clarksville, Tennessee; however; she has had the chance to experience many different locations and cultures such as Fayetteville, NC, Chicago, IL, and Washington D.C. She started singing as early as 2 years old and eventually began performing in her church, elementary schools, even including an inspirational group, "The Wilkens Energizers." Currently, Jade continues to develop her talent, songwriting and singing everyday while continuing her education. In 2007, Jade participated in a talent contest “Rip The Hallways” hosted by Phruntline Records, a growing independent Record label in Fayetteville, NC. There she won first place battling some of the states finest talents, and went on to be discovered by Black Ink ENT LLC. Since her signing to Black Ink Entertainment in 2009, Jade has begun working on her debut project which will be released early 2010. |
 | Ihsan Bilal
Performing Tuesday March 16th
How many people wake up every day from the tender age of six until forever and know why they were put on this earth. Not many at all. But, the few that are blessed to know- succeed and prevail. Ihsan Bilal is one of the very few that knows that she’s different for a reason. “Empowerment” is a key priority in her life. Born in Moreno Valley, California February 22nd 1985 to Lyndon and Rhonda Bilal, they were fully aware that their first born child embodied something special and possessed innate qualities to lead and be successful in every endeavor. Being as though Ihsan’s father was in the military, the Bilal’s moved around often from the west coast to eastern Asia.
Ihsan expressed her love of music at the age of six by writing and singing songs in her room while no one could see or hear her doing so. One day she got her four younger siblings together and performed in front of their parents the songs she wrote. Her father, a singer and keyboardist himself, realized Ihsan’s talent and the two of them began performing together. Her and her siblings began performing together in talent shows as well. They were often called the modern day “Jackson 5”.
At age 10 Ihsan’s parents enrolled her in piano lessons. Being as though she developed her own style she decided to branch off from the group and performed by herself. She won many talent shows, put together an all girl group in the 7th grade, and was the creative force behind a lot of events. Not only artistically talented Ihsan was very much involved in all academic activities. She won numerous spelling bees, science fairs, invention conventions, and was valedictorian of her 8th grade class.In 1999, Ihsan auditioned for the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Not only was she accepted but she accomplished many things that she’s still proud of up to this day. It wasn’t an easy road but she won best vocalist and most improved student overall in her graduating class. She wrote, arranged, and composed her senior class song as well as the vocal department’s moving up ceremony song. She was also a member of the first ever jazz workshop course, show choir, gospel choir, all-school choir, and opera workshop where she played the lead role in Madame Butterfly. | | During her senior year Ihsan was accepted to the prestigious Berklee School of Music but she declined to pursue her music career. At age 19, Ihsan joined the D.C. based “Black Alley Band”. They opened up for Kanye West, Jadakiss, Lissen Band and many other local artists. In 2007, Ihsan was a finalist in mega super star Ne-Yo’s search for a superstar competition. Along with singing, songwriting, and production Ihsan also models, acts, and does make-up. In 2007 Ihsan was also an NYC-modeling finalist, had a role in the street dancing box office favorite “Step up 2”, and in 2008 was the make-up artist for the Grammy award winning singer/rapper Estelle. Recently, Ihsan independently produced, creatively directed and managed to pull off what she describes as “the most perfect first time ever music video experience”. The crew and cast included over 50 people. It was a very packed two day shoot (shoot on July 24th and 25th). The video took place in Washington DC. One of the locations took place at her high school, Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Currently, Ihsan is working on her highly anticipated album “BiG red BoX” due for release in 2010. She has and is currently working with and writing for local and international artists. She hopes to inspire, motivate, lead, and empower everyone with her experiences and her own personal sound of music. She hopes to be a respected and successful artist and achieve what the greatest inspirations have accomplished. |
 | DJ 2-Tone Jones
Performing March 17 2010
A true fundamentals DJ, 2-Tone Jones speaks with his hands as in the tradition of Hip-Hop’s founding element, and through his bottomless crates has rocked parties from LA to NY on down to the ATL and even out in Europe. On the performance side 2-Tone has shared the stage, and spun alongside, the likes of Raheem DeVaughn, Brand Nubian, Raekwon, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Algebra Blessett, Camp Lo, and Phil Ade. From 2005-07 he was also the DJ-in-residence for Shaman Work Recordings, an independent Hip-Hop music label whose roster included CL Smooth, MF Doom, Wale Oyejide, John Robinson, Scienz of Life, and others. Currently, on Monday nights from 10-11pm 2-Tone serves as a resident DJ, co-engineer, and co-host for a progressive hip-hop radio show called Ill Street Grooves, part of the Decipher hip-hop strip on DC’s own WPFW 89.3 FM/Pacifica Radio. He is also a resident DJ at the famed W Hotel in Washington, DC. Along with a handful of D.C.’s most talented visual artists, Mr. Jones is a member of a cuttin -edge art troupe/marketing group known as AM Radio: Artwork Mbilashaka. 2-Tone also performs as a member of a live band called Sound of the City (SOTC). And during the day he teaches Sound Production and Engineering at Ballou Senior High School. So be on the listen-out for 2-Tone Jones thru a speaker near you.
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Kev.O Bio
Performing Tuesday March 23rd
Anative of Atlanta, GA, Singer Songwriter Kev.O is a new progressivepresence in the Urban Alternative genre taking the classic soul ofR&B and fusing it with the edgy drive of Rock. Kev.O's beginningsas a Singer Songwriter were nurtured on the campus of Howard Universityin Washington, DC. Bringing his music to the masses, his first solo LPLovolution: The Urban Alternative, which is available atKevOTheArtist.com, was released in August 2009 and won recognition bythe Velocity Magazine Awards for Kev.O as 2009's Best AlternativeArtist. Kev.O has worked with major artists such as Mya, Kim Burrell,and Mario as well as independent artists YahZarah aka Purple SaintJames, SolEdler, Russell Taylor, Muhsinah, Nicholas Ryan Gant, GreenTea, Andrae Alexander, Shaun H Mykals, Kenny Wesley, Maimouna Yousef,Alex Williams, and Tre' Thomas.He hasalso shared the stage as an opening act for Raheem DeVaughn, ChrisetteMichele, The Family Stone Project, Wayna, and Terrence Cunningham.Please check out Kev.O on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, iTunes, CD Baby,YouTube, and KevOTheArtist.com.
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Videos
Music (Folks can download these free)
Falling - http://kevotheartist.com/track/falling
Blue Moon - http://kevotheartist.com/track/blue-moon
Layla Lounge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLonJc3aEw
Live! At Woodrow Wilson Plaza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_8UWou5uTw
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 | DJ Conscience
Performing March 24 2010
DJ Conscience of R.E.D.SOUL Entertainment is a local Washington DC underground DJ and "Tastemaker". Conscience has been gracing audiences across the globe with his "flava beyond" for the past 13 years. Conscience is known for his electric delivery of music as he spotlights and showcases the talents of underground/independent hip hop and soul artists. He is also known for his podcast which has grown quite popular to music lovers, R.E.D.SOUL RADIO(www.djconscience.podomatic.com) in which he offers a quality of mixes with blends of soul and hip hop. Conscience's mission is to join the movement to restore the passion, the essence, and the musicianship that music lost!!! |
Mycah Chevalier
Performing Tuesday March 30th
Biography
Born and raised in our nation's Capital, Mycah Chevalier had a vision to cook up an ensemble reminiscent of her own Creole upbringing. Mycah will take you on a journey with sultry musings as smooth as Sade and Phyllis Hyman, then turn your head with soulful belts that lend a certain "Chaka-esq" flair! Mycah has had the pleasure and opportunity to open up for and or grace the stage with artists such as Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, and The Whispers, to name a few. As Mycah graciously reminisces, “I was so honored when Ms. Labelle took me by my hand to tell me I have a beautiful gift, and confirm that I should never let anyone stop me from my dream.” Ms. LaBelle’s inspiration led Mycah on a 4-year worldwide concert touring stint, with prolonged stops in Ethiopia and Sweden.
Collectively, Mycah's musicians have performed with artists such as Najee, George Duke, Roberta Flack, Tony Terry, Angela Bofill, Jean Carne & more. Currently, Mycah’s CD entitled "Roux's Fantasy" is selling on CD Baby, I-Tunes, Soul Brothers Records (UK), and a host of other online sites. The CD is also doing well on European radio and is playing on a few stations in the DC Area, Las Vegas, and her single “Forgiveness” has been in the top 10 for weeks on a radio show in New York! What emerges from this well paired mixture of ingredients? A Recipe that's smooth, yet, funky, and sure to intoxicate and please any palate! Mycah Chevalier and The Roux Project definitely spice up the scene with their own unique fusion of Jazz and Soul!
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| Green Tea
Performing April 13 2010
Mix a serving of soul, a pinch of optimism, and a dash of heart and you get Green Tea. Not just your average soul singer, Green Tea, pours her feelings into her music. She skilfully mixes sultry soul with positive lyrics and encouraging tones that make you want another dose every time she sings.
Most singers recall a love for music at a young age, but Green Tea developed her love before she even entered the world. Her mother recalls her stomach dancing energetically whenever she played music; little did she know a young talent was brewing inside. As a D.C. native, Green Tea stays true to the eclectic style that moves through the city and blends her inspirations of gospel, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, opera, and even rock and roll into her craft.
| | She has opened up for artists such as Slick Rick, Kindred the Family Soul, Dead Prez, Chuck Brown, Fertile Ground and Anthony David and has entertained all over the East Coast, from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, to Pennsylvania. Green Tea’s music touches the soul, while her delivery sets the tone for growth, power, and love. “Music has the power to break the cycle of an impoverished mindset,” she said. Her debut album, Have A Cup of Green Tea Dosage I: Shades of Green, showcases this inspiration and is followed by her most recent contribution, Dosage II: Choices. With her music, Green Tea’s focus is sharing her talent with the world. “I guess above all, I want people to know and understand how powerful music is,” she said. Her ultimate goal, besides entertaining her audience, is to empower individuals and share her passion for music with the rest of the world. No matter the time of day, good or bad, those who witness Green Tea’s talent savor her words and sound, and experience a unique flow that is few and far between. |
| AFI Soul
Performing April 20, 2010
Afi is the critically acclaimed R&B/Soul singer whose self-produced album Lovely has landed the No. 10 spot on the SoulTracks Top 10 CDs list putting her in a class with Erykah Badu, Angela Johnson, Algebra and Raheem Devaughn. Lovely was released in August of 2007. “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, the debut single from Lovely, is Afi’s supportive anthem for the “brothas”. This tune, with its sultry mid-tempo beat, is sure to become her signature tune. The Video for the single had regular rotation on BETJ and VH1 Soul andVH1 Soul's online radio station. "Sorry (I Gotta Go)", is a sassy, no nonsense hit that asserts a woman's independence which will be the second video to be aired soon.
Critics agreed that Lovely is a great debut album and praised Afi’s vocal and songwriting talents: “This new Washington, DC female singer is going to please the Organic Soulsters and many more as well. Vocally she sounds similar to N’Dambi in places and Jill Scott in others.” -Soul Brothers, a record store in London
“Lovely defines the spirit of this very talented singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and creative director. Afi's passion for music invites the listener to a fun-filled experience, which places her in direct competition with a select group of neo-soul sirens like Angie Stone and India.Arie.
| Lovely displays a versatile singing style absent from many contemporary neo-soul projects. Afi brings a different kind of energy to each song she sings. She finds the pocket of the rhythm and sticks to it.” -Akim Bryant, SoulTracks.com
Lovely is being independently distributed in stores and online throughout the U.S. and abroad. Listeners from Australia, Japan, London, and Cote’D’Ivoire purchased Lovely online through ITunes, Rhapsody (Verizon), Ruckus, Cdbaby.com, Amazon.com and Napster. Afi's recent performance credits include: Atlanta's 2009 International Soul Summit where she did 3 stellar performances and a panel for "Rising Stars"; A feature performance at the 2009 Black Family Reunion; opening act for Ruben Studdard at DC's premier club Zanzibar on the Water Front in June of 2009; opening act for Monica at Washington, DC Government Holiday event in December 2008; a tour in Ivory Coast in July of 2008; D.C. Hip Hop Soul Festival at the 930 Club in D.C. in August 2008; Speak to Me, a concert of artists and poets at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts in March of 2008; an opening performance for “Common” at the Art Speaks Life benefit concert at the Mirrors night club in April of 2007; and the east coast portion of the Seagram’s Gin Tour of 2005 with Raheem Devaughn and Little Moe. Afi’s future performances include a D.C. holiday event with Monica and some possible Inaugural events Afi has received several local awards in the DC music and arts community which included Nomination for the DMV EMA's 2009 "Best Female R&B Artist" and "Most Likely to Succeed". She was also awarded awards for "Most Likely to Succeed" in 2006 and was nominated for a WAMMIE under the Best Contemporary Artist Category in 2004. The inspiration behind Afi’s songs is a direct reflection of her life experiences as a young, Black woman living in today’s world. As a single mother of three beautiful daughters, twins: Serwah and Soyini, and Little Makeda, Afi has continued to persevere, create beautiful music, and perform locally and abroad to fulfill her destiny as a gifted artist. Afi “Soul” Lydia is an “original.” |
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